‘There is no justification for this. None’

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke this morning on the violence in Egypt and Libya, which led to the deaths of four Americans including U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens.

“Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior, along with the protest that took place at our Embassy in Cairo yesterday, as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet,” Clinton said. “America’s commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear. There is no justification for this. None.”

The Secretary of State also stressed that the U.S. efforts in Libya will continue, blaming the violence on a “small and savage” group. “Everywhere Chris and his team went in Libya, in a country scarred by war and tyranny, they were hailed as friends and partners,” Clinton said of Stevens. “And when the attack came yesterday, Libyans stood and fought to defend our post. Some were wounded. Libyans carried Chris’s body to the hospital and they helped rescue and lead other Americans to safety.”

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), not exactly an ally of the administration, praised Clinton’s remarks as “excellent and moving,” adding that she struck “just the right message and tone.” He had no similar praise for the presidential nominee of his party.